| 29 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Wairarapa: Palliser Estate Small vineyard big on quality Sue Russell Palliser Estate CEO, Pip Goodwin: “Our focus is on the premium end of the market.” Nestled in the boutique wine country of Martinborough is Palliser Estate, which owns several vineyards, from which Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Pinot gris and Riesling wines are produced. Pip Goodwin is Palliser Estate’s CEO and has enjoyed a long association with the business going back to 2005 as an assistant wine maker. Today Pip oversees the strategic direction of the company and supports those working on the ground to produce the very best possible wines across the total 72ha of planted grapes. “We are currently converting our vineyards to organic. At the end of the day we want to do what is right for the land. We believe that when there is minimal intervention as per an organic system that the wine is a true reflection of that site “ Martinborough is only a small region in terms of total wine volumes produced in New Zealand, however it is known as a region where quality and premium wine vintages are produced. This lack of scale sits very comfortably with Palliser Estate’s whole approach to wine production. Their philosophy of care and consideration in the growing and processing of grapes into wine has been recognised within the industry with some outstanding results. The single vineyard organic Hui Nui Pinot Noir 2019 received 97 points when judged at last Decanters wine awards, an outstanding achievement. “Our focus is on the premium end of the market.. There is a great deal of interest from wine consumers towards smaller batch, exclusive vintages that carry a unique story and history.” Asked where their wine is consumed Pip says about 60% is consumed by the New Zealand market with the balance sold in 20 different countries including the USA, U.K., Korea, Denmark and Australia. Palliser Estate employs a team of 16 fulltime staff along with some part-time workers in the cellar over the weekends. “We employ contractors to work in the vineyard. We’re a small close-knit team and that is how we like it.” Striving for excellence across all aspects of the business is something important to the owners, directors and staff. Pip has started the verification process to become a B-Corporation certified company. B-Corporation companies are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy which aligns nicely with Palliser’s ethos. “Their principles align with ours, about things like how you respect the environment, how you look after your staff. They come from a more holistic sense of what a sustainable business is all about.” And for anyone visiting the region Pip points out that for a small wine-growing footprint, Martinborough has one of highest number of cellar doors. “It’s great – people bike around to try the wines at our vineyards. Martinborough is a unique wine village and an incredibly special to grow grapes, especially Pinot noir .” Even during the pressures that came with COVID, Pip says, that domestic tourism in the region boomed. “We’ve expanded our cellar door experience and now have a restaurant so visitors and locals alike can have a truly memorable experience.” Owned by a family of saw millers with singular vertical supply integration from terroir, forest, wood age selections, to the final barrel and it’s toasting options. Naming Rights Sponsor of NZ Young Winemaker of the Year Proudly supporting Palliser Estate P. +64 27 2031 031 F. +64 3 314 2101 E. mercureynz@bellhill.co.nz Tonnellerie de Mercurey +64 21 929 999 | abatley@champagnelady.co.nz www.regencyimports.co.nz | www.champagnelady.co.nz Anne Batley Burton DIRECTOR There are two divisions to Regency Imports Ltd both owned and managed by Anne Batley-Burton whose passion and enthusiasm for wine and love of France initially attracted her to the wine industry in France about 23 years ago. Personal service to customers whether large or small is an important part of company policy.
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